Why should we be concerned about who is teaching high 
                         school physics?
        • A physics degree is not required for being an effective 
          physics teacher but the most consistent and powerful 
          predictor of student achievement in science and math is a 
          teacher who is fully certified and has at least a bachelor's 
          degree in the content area. (from Rising Above the 
          Gathering Storm)
        • The number of students taking high school physics is 
          increasing nation wide.
        • Physics is needed more and more for developing future 
          technically proficient workforce and an educated populace.
        • We need to be equitable and provide equal access to all 
          students independent of socioeconomic background!
                                                          2
              Need for High School Teachers
                                                  3
       High School Classes Taught By Teacher with 
                    Degree in the Field
                                                     4
                                    Source: Schools and Staffing Survey
           HS Physics Teacher Education Background
                                                       5
                                            http://www.aip.org/statistics
     Number of Students and Teachers in High School Physics
                        All U.S. High Schools
                                                          6
                                          http://www.aip.org/statistics